"Games are about dominating and being clinical in those zones and probably with Leigh's kicking prowess we haven't gone into those zones too often, because we've been kicking for goal and building a lead from 50-55 metres.

"His kicking is phenomenal, I don't have to say that he'll be missed."

Wales start their World Cup against Uruguay in Cardiff on 20 September and also face England, Fiji and Australia in Pool A.

Big challenge for Dan Biggar

Howley said the Wales management had not been tempted to bring in a proven long-range place-kicker to replace Halfpenny,

In any case, he added, Biggar had already made his feelings clear.

"You know Dan Biggar, he's already saying he can [take the long kicks]," said former Wales scrum-half Howley.

However, Howley believes the biggest challenge for the fly-half will be combining kicking duties with his role as a playmaker.

Wales' World Cup pool games

Sunday, 20 Sept, 14:30 BST: Wales v Uruguay, Millennium Stadium

Saturday, 26 Sept, 20:00 BST: England v Wales, Twickenham Stadium

Thursday, 1 Oct, 16:45 BST: Wales v Fiji, Millennium Stadium

Saturday, 10 Oct, 16:45 BST: Wales v Australia, Twickenham Stadium

"Dan's taken over the duties several times from Leigh Halfpenny - 2013 springs to mind, that Wales-England game [a 30-3 win in Cardiff]. He's a quality kicker.

"I think the challenge for Dan - and he's matched this in the regional game - is kicking and playing.

"At international level that pressure of being a kicker and a playmaker [is] a challenge for Dan moving forward, but I've got no doubt he's got the qualities."

Biggar scored 226 points in 21 matches for the Ospreys in 2014-15, and has scored 153 points for Wales in 35 appearances.

His kick success rate in the Pro12 last season was 86%.

Halfpenny's 15 points against Italy took him past 500 points for his country in 62 appearances.